The triumphs and tribulations of band membership are well documented. But if proof is needed, ask Jonny Brown.
Forming acclaimed Manchester ‘proper indie rock troupe’ Twisted Wheel in 2007, plenty of stories (and songs) have been written in the years between then and now. From line up changes to widespread acclaim, impromptu nights spent camping out in Wales en route to festivals, packing out surprise gigs wall to wall, and periods of near inactivity, if this tour bus could talk we’d be all ears.
Overall, though, it’s a tale of success, an ever-increasing loyal fan base, and, most importantly, real guitar music born of heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears. Which will surprise few reading this. After early comparisons were made to The Clash and The Jam, and support slots confirmed with Oasis and Paul Weller, the future was always looking bright for the outfit in question. Hence Columbia signing them in 2008, and that 2,000 capacity sell-out show at Manchester Academy, which has since gone down in local folklore. She’s A Weapon, You Stole The Sun, and Lucy The Castle, their formative-period singles, won support from tastemakers on Radio 1 and XFM, attracting the attention of Kasabian, The View, and The Enemy who all invited Twisted Wheel out on tours. Huge opportunities for an act still in its infancy, already extensive on-stage experience (having won a PRS award for playing the most gigs of any band in Britain during 2009) shone through. The impact was deafening, and cemented the reputation of these North Westerners.
So two albums later- Twisted Wheel (2009) and Do It Again (2012)- not to mention a host of staggering shows and innumerable critical lauds, and we’re bang up to date. Now boasting a revised line up, Jonny remains centre stage on vocals and guitar, Max Lees (brother of original member Rick) handles bass duties, Keith Moon-alike Blair Murray resides on drums, and Adam Birchall provides the all-important additional guitar.
Explosive individual ingredients, reactions to shows at Kendal Calling 2013, where they played a secret set in the House Party tent to a packed po-going crowd of naked crowd-surfers, Why Not, Leeds & Reading Festivals, Electric Picnic (Ireland) and Manchester’s Sound Control say it all really. As such expectations have been high for ongoing live dates throughout the UK during autumn and winter, with plenty of ears eager to hear their new album, currently pencilled in for release in 2014. Roll on the near future then.
